At 07:30 PM 9/11/97 -0400, you wrote:
>Does anyone know if the '99 F350 will still have a straight front
>axle?

The answer is yes according to the following.
If you weren't paying attention to the thread, there was information that
the F250 *also* would also have a monobeam axle, in which this post was
responding to.

- -john

To paste a quote from Mr. Russ Hampton...

I was the one who started the "rumor" about the solid front axle (or
Monobeam as Ford called it). I was at a dealer about 3 weeks ago, before I
bought my truck and he showed me a fax (on FoMoCo letter head) the changes
in store for the '99 model. It did not state if it were 4x4 or 2wd though,
I would assume both. There were also other items on the list that I don't
remember. It listed Job 1 at Jan 5, 1998.

It might or might not be true, but this is what I saw. I agree that it is
in the wrong direction for me, as I want IFS with my HD powerstroke (and I
got it!).

heavier-duty tranny, differential, and other stuff, won't I? I've never
done anything serious as far as automotive work goes. . I'm learning, but
don't have much opportunity. I'm 18, and with school, a part time job, a
girlfriend, and other activities, it gets kind of hard. But thanx for the
info, I sure appreciate it.

Hmmm, V8, yeah. . ar, ar, ar, Poweeer! Vroooooom!

:)
Jerad Heffner

toerne juno.com wrote:

> The person asking about putting a 4.0 into a 2.3 Ranger shouldn't! Do a
> 302 conversion using Maverick or Comet V8 exhaust manifolds and a C-5
> auto transmission. It fits perfectly using "V-8 Conversions" motor
> mounts. Some radiator mods will also be required.
> If you put a 4.0 in an 89 or older Ranger (and probably newer) you will
> need COMPLETE wiring diagrams and schematics from both vehicles and the
> computer and as much of under hood, chassis, and dash wiring as you can
> get from the donor truck. Wiring colors don't match. Basic dashboard
> functions are not plug in and require a lot of splicing. I've been
> involved with both conversions.....the V-8 is easier, faster, lest
> costly, and delivers a lot more fun. V-8/C5 conversion costs about
> $1000, 4.0/4AOD costs close to $2,000. >>

DO NOT put a C-5 in your truck, it is Junk! The centrifical lock-up torque
converter will send shavings into the oil and eventually leave you in a
"no-drive" condition. The shavings will clog the filter screen untill
control pressure drops to zero leaving you with a transmission full of
neutrals.
If you want to use the C-5 be sure to use the C-4 torque converter. As best
I can tell the converter is the only difference between the C-4 and C-5. I
know at least one Converter rebuilder (Torco, Abilene TX) that leaves out the
lock-up clutches whenever they rebuild a C-5 converter.
Phil

I've just purchased an 88' F-150 with the 6cyl engine and 5speed
transmission. The cab is the "Custom" model.
This truck is in Excellent condition, however, I would like to
make some improvements such as those found on the XL and XLT versions.

Mark,
From the work I had done my self, and at the dealer, all I can say, is
keep pumping that clutch with everthing hooked up, and the bleed screw at
the slave open. I ran into the same problem as it seems you are having. I
called a local Ford Dealer, and they said you have to pump the heck out of
that clutch peddel. After a whole afternoon of pumping, I called a tow
truck and had it taken into the dealer (thinking that I had damaged
something, or something was broken). All they did, and charged me for, was
bleeding the air, which took them better part of a day to do.

I called a local auto/truck "buying service" that will order/locate a vehicle
for you at a very small "no-hassle" profit margin. When I inquired about the
order window for the 1997 F250, I was told it is already closed, and that Ford
will begin taking orders around November 15 for 1999 F250's, with delivery set
to begin in January 1998. Also, I was told that base pricing was same as 1997,
but not all option pricing was set at this time.

Can anyone else verify this information? I was hoping to slip in under the
wire and order a 1997 F250 extended cab 4x4, short bed, 351 5speed. Does
there seem to be availability of these trucks out there?

At 08:59 PM 9/11/97 -0400, you wrote:
>I called a local auto/truck "buying service" that will order/locate a vehicle
>for you at a very small "no-hassle" profit margin. When I inquired about the
>order window for the 1997 F250, I was told it is already closed, and that Ford
>will begin taking orders around November 15 for 1999 F250's, with delivery set
>to begin in January 1998. Also, I was told that base pricing was same as 1997,
>but not all option pricing was set at this time.
>
>Can anyone else verify this information? I was hoping to slip in under the
>wire and order a 1997 F250 extended cab 4x4, short bed, 351 5speed. Does
>there seem to be availability of these trucks out there?

Hmmm.

You seem to have some conflicting information based on what's been flying around
here. Are you sure the "buying service" was not confusing the LD F-250 with the
HD F250? It's easy to miss this fine point.

In any case, what I know. The 1998 LD F150 - and F250 are orderable now,
and in the show rooms.

The 1997 HD ordering window will close very soon, if not already.
(did I get that right?)

The HD F-250 and F-350 is reported to be orderable as early as jan 98, with
shipments starting in the march/april 98 time frame. Good information should be
trickling into the dealers about the Oct/Nov time frame.

The closest thing to a 351 is the 5.4 liter triton engine, in the HD trucks.
LD trucks can be had with a 4.6 or 5.4 L engine, and one other choice that
escapes me.

At 08:51 AM 9/10/97 -0500, you wrote:
>Well, admittedly, I am fairly biased cuz I drive a 95 Bronco...
>
>If you're looking for the 90's station wagon, then by all means get the
>Explorer. Motor Trend's test of SUV's gave the Explorer the worst rank for
>its abilities off road (yet it sold almost 4 times as many units as the
>nearest competitor!). It really is just a car made up to look SUV-ish.
Actually its build around a ranger frame. It is more like a truck and
drives like one. The windstar on the other hand is built on a taurus frame
to make it more carlike.

>The two wheel drive model is even more of a road vehicle. But if that's
My 2wd sure is fun in the mud though :-) just make sure to have a 4wd
around in case something were to happen. Course I wouldn't do this without
my manual transmistion, the key is momentum and don't be afraid to spin
the AT's a little to clean them for more traction.

>Just figger your gas mileage when you pick an engine....My buddies with
>Explorer 4.0's complain cuz they get 14-16 mpg. Figger the 5.0 Explorer
Yeah I get 14-15.5 pretty bad, but I also drive the heck out of my standard.

>
> The power steering pump on my 94 Ranger (3.0L V6, 60K miles) has begun to
> make a groaning/growling sound. No, it's not belt slippage, and it does
> it at all rpm and regardless of whether the truck is turning, driving
> straight, or simply sitting at idle.
>
> I changed the fluid, filling and draining several times to get as much of
> the old fluid as possible. It made no difference in the sound. The old
> fluid had not darkened and did not smell burned.
>
> On the subject of heat in the fluid, I have not found a cooler on the
> truck. Is there an *effective* cooler available somewhere? I am concerned
> about cutting and splicing the hoses to fit one in. Does anyone know what
> kind of pressures the system utilizes?
>
> Is there any cure, or am I looking at a new pump? Is it likely that it is
> a heat induced problem? It does get rather warm here in South Central
> Texas, and lacking a cooler...
>
> Any suggestions will be appreciated,
>
> Fred Wise
>
I had an '87 Ranger power steering pump make the noise you describe. It
was still under warranty, so the dealer replaced the pump. Within 3 or 4
Thousand miles the noise started again. It was no longer on warranty, so
I ignored it. I drove the truck for another 100k miles with no problems.
My '95 F150 pump is starting to get noisy, too. If anyone knows a cure,
short of replacing the pump, I would also be interested.

Lou Mallia wrote:
>
> I called a local auto/truck "buying service" that will order/locate a vehicle
> for you at a very small "no-hassle" profit margin. When I inquired about the
> order window for the 1997 F250, I was told it is already closed, and that Ford
> will begin taking orders around November 15 for 1999 F250's, with delivery set
> to begin in January 1998. Also, I was told that base pricing was same as 1997,
> but not all option pricing was set at this time.
>
> Can anyone else verify this information? I was hoping to slip in under the
> wire and order a 1997 F250 extended cab 4x4, short bed, 351 5speed. Does
> there seem to be availability of these trucks out there?
> +-------------- Ford Truck Enthusiasts - 1980 and Newer --------------+
> | Send posts to fordtrucks80up listservice.net, |
> | Send Unsubscribe requests to fordtrucks80up-request listservice.net |
> +-- Visit Our Web Site: http://www.ford-trucks.com/ --+

My neighbor just took delivery of that exact truck but with heavy duty
suspension last week, here in Maryland hope this helps

I'm considering adding a supercharger to my '95 F150 5.8L. The systems
from Vor-tech and Paxton look similar. I also saw a trick looking Rootes
type blower on a Mustang from Ford SVO. Does anyone have any experience
with these systems? What are the advantages/disadvantages? Will the
stock engine handle the extra boost as the blower manufacterers claim? I
would appreciate any input.

Does anyone know if there is a company that makes(made) tinted headlight
covers for pre-'89 rangers? I've looked around my area, but they are
hard to come by. If anyone has them, are they easily removeable for
night driving?

>Is there any cure, or am I looking at a new pump? Is it likely that it
>is a heat induced problem? It does get rather warm here in South
>Central Texas, and lacking a cooler...

Hmmm... Well, i haven't had any problems with my ps making noises, and I
am subject to the heat here in Houston. Does your ps start making noises
once you start up, or does it have to warm up before it starts acting up?

On Wed, 10 Sep 1997 16:11:09 -0500 Jerad Heffner writes:
>Does anyone know of a relatively cheap way to get more HP out of the
>2.3
>Is a K&N
>filter worth the money in a 2.3L Ranger? Any other cheap fixes? BTW,

Yes, the K&N air filter does help in your top end power. But go to this
web site,
http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://pw1.netcom.com/~toolman8/HPE_HOME.html
Harwood Performance Engineering

Mathew Harwood is selling (if he wasn't sold it already) most of the
things you would need for a 4.0L swap. (including the 4.0L block) for
about $1000. The block is pretty new itself. He bought his 97 Ranger
just so he could do a 5.0L swap and is now selling off the stuff he
doesn't need. Its a great deal, and if you want to do a v6 swap in a
Ranger, its the only way to go.

You (Randy Kindler) wrote:
>Fred Wise wrote:
> > The power steering pump on my 94 Ranger (3.0L V6, 60K miles) has begun to
> > make a groaning/growling sound. No, it's not belt slippage, and it does
> > it at all rpm and regardless of whether the truck is turning, driving
> > straight, or simply sitting at idle.
> >
> > I changed the fluid, filling and draining several times to get as much of
> > the old fluid as possible. It made no difference in the sound. The old
> > fluid had not darkened and did not smell burned.
[zap]

> I had an '87 Ranger power steering pump make the noise you describe. It
> was still under warranty, so the dealer replaced the pump. Within 3 or 4
> Thousand miles the noise started again. It was no longer on warranty, so
> I ignored it. I drove the truck for another 100k miles with no problems.
> My '95 F150 pump is starting to get noisy, too. If anyone knows a cure,
> short of replacing the pump, I would also be interested.

Greetings. Maybe the problem is not the pump but some other way AIR is
getting into the system. I take it that Mr. Wise "bled" the steering pump
of any air (after the fluid change) by moving the wheels stop-to-stop
several times? I believe that is the general procedure... it's better for
the tires if the car is up on jacks at the time :-)

Perhaps there is a leak in one of the hoses... not the HIGH pressure ones
but the low side (from the reserve to the pump) and air is somehow getting
in. I'm just "reaching" here... :-)

At 11:54 AM 9/10/97 -0500, you wrote:
>Hi,
>
>Many shops use a book to determine how much time a job should take and
>charge accordingly, IE: if the book says 2 hours labor, thats what they
>charge for regardless of how much time they spend.
>
>Does any one know if this type of information is available to the general
>public.
>Perhaps the library or even online would be great.
>
>Thanks
>
>richard
>wilso032 tc.umn.edu
>
>+-------------- Ford Truck Enthusiasts - 1980 and Newer --------------+
>| Send posts to fordtrucks80up listservice.net, |
>| Send Unsubscribe requests to fordtrucks80up-request listservice.net |
>+-- Visit Our Web Site: http://www.ford-trucks.com/ --+
>
>

Richard,

When I worked in the service station a few years ago, we used the Chilton
Labor Guide to figure time on a jjob, and charged according to the book, not
to the actual time. A decent mechanic can beat the book most of the time,
but not always, and not all day long. This book should be available where
ever
Chilton manuals can be found. I've never checked the library, I just go back
to the service station and borrow one for a few minutes.

>You could probably do the swap, I would think there would be front
>suspension issues, as well as cooling, etc. What about swapping in a
>2.3L intercooled turbo motor from an SVO mustang or Merkur? Wouldn't
>that be a direct replacement?

No, you dont have to worry about the front suspension in a 4.0L swap or a
5.0L swap for that matter.

On Thu, 11 Sep 1997 16:03:12 -0500 Jerad Heffner writes:
>I've thought about the turbo, but my truck is 4x4 and I don't do high
>speed/high RPM, so the turbo would be worthless. Besides, I've heard
>it's a
>lot harder to work on turbos . . anyway, I like the idea of the 302.
>I've
>thought about that for a long time, and that would give me more than
>enough
>power to pop on bigger tires. I have too much other stuff to do to it
>before
>that though. I'm just dreaming/planning!

Okay, here is a quick fix; new headers, new cat, and replace your muffler
with a Flowmaster. And I think there is an electric fan out there
called the Flex-A-Lite-II that will fit a Ranger. You can also put some
new 3.45 or 3.73 rear end gears in as well.

My mileage seems to stink, I consistently get between 12-15mpg whether I'm
in the city or highway. Lately it seems to be getting worse. I've changed
the air filter and run some BG 44K fuel injector cleaner through it but
neither of those seemed to help at all. Tires are properly inflated as
well.

Are my expectations out of whack? I would think I'd be getting about 18
highway - at least I think that's what the sticker said.

Thanks for any help.
Grady >>

Dear Grady,

Are you running stock sized tires? Probably 235/75-15?

My mileage took a 10-15% dive when I installed 31/10.5-15. My city/highway
percentages are about the same as yours. Putting a fresh oxygen sensor
(~$100 from Ford) bumped it back to about 17mpg (with the 31's).

What about brakes and bearings? Sometimes a shoe or pad can begin to drag.
How about front wheel alignment? Tires wearing flat?

Choice of gasoline. Using a "good" brand? Check your cost-per-mile as
opposed to miles-per-gallon with competitive brands. I have done this a few
times to make sure I'm getting the most for my money.

I posted a couple days ago about recent upgrades to my '92 F150 5.0L. I
mentioned my mechanic found an injector that had never fired from the factory
because of a mistake in the wiring harness! I recommend double checking!

> In a message dated 97-09-11 08:41:42 EDT, you write:
>
>
> heavier-duty tranny, differential, and other stuff, won't I? I've never
> done anything serious as far as automotive work goes. . I'm learning, but
> don't have much opportunity. I'm 18, and with school, a part time job, a
> girlfriend, and other activities, it gets kind of hard. But thanx for the
> info, I sure appreciate it.
>
> Hmmm, V8, yeah. . ar, ar, ar, Poweeer! Vroooooom!
>
> :)
> Jerad Heffner
>
> toerne juno.com wrote:
>
> > The person asking about putting a 4.0 into a 2.3 Ranger shouldn't! Do a
> > 302 conversion using Maverick or Comet V8 exhaust manifolds and a C-5
> > auto transmission. It fits perfectly using "V-8 Conversions" motor
> > mounts. Some radiator mods will also be required.
> > If you put a 4.0 in an 89 or older Ranger (and probably newer) you will
> > need COMPLETE wiring diagrams and schematics from both vehicles and the
> > computer and as much of under hood, chassis, and dash wiring as you can
> > get from the donor truck. Wiring colors don't match. Basic dashboard
> > functions are not plug in and require a lot of splicing. I've been
> > involved with both conversions.....the V-8 is easier, faster, lest
> > costly, and delivers a lot more fun. V-8/C5 conversion costs about
> > $1000, 4.0/4AOD costs close to $2,000. >>
>
> DO NOT put a C-5 in your truck, it is Junk! The centrifical lock-up torque
> converter will send shavings into the oil and eventually leave you in a....

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